Hannibal
The Carthaginian general, Hannibal is notorious for his strategic ways. Hannibal followed his father, Hamilcar, at a very young age along with his brothers. He gained his title, as general after his father's death. He witnessed many triumphs from his father's skills and learned from his weaknesses. His father's army voted him as general in spite of being only 26 years of age. In his first year as a general, he strived for military success and received it in portions. Hannibal struggled to keep his army throughout the landslides, hurricanes, and snowstorms because their resources were scarce. As well as, his small amount of food that their selected army could feast upon after each battle or invasion. He appeared as a very just liberator. The Romans did not except his liberal ways so they never united. Therefore, despite Hannibal's considerable military abilities, his actions prevented him from conquering. Hannibal was a military master because he had the determination to succeed. After Hamilcar's death Hannibal became an excellent military leader. "Under [Hannibal's] control the Carthaginians made large territorial advances..." (I-cias). He learned quickly how to be a leader and with the support of his brothers he wa
His challenges were impossible to carry on and the other enemies discovered his weakness in battle, concluding in a failed task. Hannibal was crossing the Alps and was able to receive rations for a couple days. If Hannibal conquered Romans he would never be able to rule over. He was bent on his own defeat, therefore liberated himself in each place of attack. Hannibal was the instrument of his own undoing. "The loss of the second city of Italy cost Hannibal the allegiance of many of his Italian allies and put an end to his hopes of further replenishing his army from their ranks"(Encarta). "He [Fabius, Roman Military Leader] believed that Hannibal lacked the equipment for a prolonged siege and that a delay in the battle would seriously reduce the Carthaginian food supply"(Walker, 164). "Even if many fell from his army during this march because of snowstorms, landslides, and attacks from hostile local tribes, he managed to recruit new personnel along the route. He never won the hearts of the people; therefore he was never able to truly be victorious. "According to legend, Hamilcar had made the young Hannibal swear on a sacred altar that he would remain an enemy of Rome for life" (Walker, 164). Hannibal was running out of everything during the Battle of Cannae and his help refused to aid him. Other military leaders knew he would not be able to handle a delay due to the lack of preparation he took for each battle. His determination held out at the beginning of his career and then died due to his mistakes.
Common topics in this essay:
Carthaginian Hannibal,
Hamilcar Hannibal,
Carthage Despite,
Military Leader,
Encarta Hannibal's,
Battle Cannae,
I-cias Hannibal,
Rome Carthage,
Punic War,
enemy rome,
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natural disasters,
managed recruit,
conquering hannibal,
due lack,
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